There are in fact two cities in northern Italy called Venice. On the face of it, they have much in common, and topographically speaking might be twins. In each case more than 400 bridges span 28 miles of canals to connect a jigsaw of 118 different islands, on whose sodden belly a succession of intrepid architects took turns to embellish a smorgasbord of architectural flamboyance unsurpassed in the history of the western world.

Images of both cities are seared on mankind's collective consciousness, the pigeons and their palaces each contributors to what has been referred to as a "shared inheritance". The two, you think, might be as one. I did, and millions still do. Only the luxury of a prolonged encounter has proven me wrong. These are, I now know, two very different cities...

“Ten places to take children in Venice:”

By Pamela Goodman for The Telegraph First published: July 18, 2008 1. Head to Piazzale Roma It's a good place to buy vaporetto passes and you can also jump on vaporetto No 1. This takes you the entire length of the Grand Canal, underneath the Rialto B… Read more...

Written by press. Full Article from 'The Telegraph' website

“Going Solo”

By Sheila Hancock for The Observer, First Published Sunday 21st September 2008 ...Venice is such a cornucopia of delights that it is easy to miss the detail...Carpaccio, who before this visit was just raw meat to me, has become my all-time favourite Ita… Read more...

Written by press. See the full article in The Observer, 21st September 2008

“Venice: Wandering Hushed, Dimly Lit Passageways”

By Elisabetta Povoledo Published April 20, 2008 Venetians don’t generally do Venice by night — most restaurants tend to shut their kitchens early and the smattering of pubs that stay open past midnight (several in the Campo Santa Margherita… Read more...

Written by press. Continue reading on travel.nytimes.com

The best things to do in Venice

The top 5 experiences in Venice. There are 46 more experiences in Venice. See all »
  • The Orient Express

    Embodying the ideal of rail travel, The Orient Express cannot help but plunge you into the romantic, adventurous world of Agath…

  • St Mark's Basilica

    One of the finest churches in Europe, and one of the oldest, the present building dates from the latter part of the 11th centur…

  • Rialto Markets

    Whether you’re early to bed or not, it’s a compulsory early rise to see both the erberia and pescheria (vegetables and fish) ma…

  • Gallerie dell'Accademia

    The Accademia was founded in 1750 as the school for painting, sculpture and architecture for Venice and is first point of call …

  • The Tempest (Giorgione)

    Giorgione (c. 1477-1510) is the familiar name of Giorgio Barbarelli da Castelfranco, was an Italian painter, one of the seminal…

Comments, reviews and questions

Photo of beautifulanddoomed

Centrale Lounge Restaurant

It's a designer restaurant between Saint Mark's Square and La Fenice Theater. I really appreciated the excellent ancient Venetian recipes, the chic and contemporary ambience and the great service.

 
Review posted 1st October 2009 by beautifulanddoomed.
Photo of Antonio Amore

Hotel Santa Marina

It's a charming 4 star hotel near to St. Mark's Square and Rialto's Bridge where you will found Venice's traditional 18th century style, romantic atmosphere and comfortable rooms.

 
Review posted 7th September 2009 by Antonio Amore.
Photo of J Sewall

Venice cannot be seen in 2 days, 5 days, a week, or even two. I am returning for two more weeks, bringing my time in Venice, without side trips, to seven weeks. Go, explore, ditch the guides, wander the small streets, engage the people. I never had a disappointing day, and yes, I did avoid Murano, a tourist trap, and buy my Murano glass IN Venice, in the small shops, and even a restaurant, where the owner and I haggled for four days before I caved. Avoid the summer, high tourist times, and try September and October.

 
Comment posted 25th June 2009 by J Sewall.

2 replies...

Photo of Al James

I agree, high season in Venice is a nightmare!

 
Reply posted 13th August 2009 by Al James.
Photo of Kat Mackintosh

I visited in December - everyone said it wasn't the best time to year but with all the lights and the mist on the water in the mornings it was beautiful. One of my favourite places...

 
Reply posted 13th August 2009 by Kat Mackintosh.
Photo of chrisfaron

Venice

Wonderful experience visting one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

You will need at least 2 days to see everything.

 
Review posted 29th May 2009 by chrisfaron.
Photo of julia rowse

Where to stay in Venice

I'm going to Venice in May and have been offered a great deal in Mestre. Does anyone know this area of Venice? Is it a good area to be located?

 
Question posted 4th April 2009 by julia rowse.
Photo of Emma07

San Sebastiano church

Close to the south facing Zattere promenade - where there is a beatiful views over to the Giudecca island and higly recommended ice-cream shop Nico's - there is a little known Renaissance jewel: the Church of San Sebastiano. This church displays the most extensive collection of Veronese paintings ever assembled in a single location. The ceilings and the nave, chancel, organ panels and high altar are decorated with richly coloured frescos. The result is astonishing and not to be missed.

We stayed in a lovely holiday apartment near by: www.viewsonvenice.com/ca_san_sebastiano.html

 
Review posted 31st July 2008 by Emma07.
Photo of ktrd1

Venice the Great?

Venice is a fantastic place very different to anywhere else i have visited. Some say there is a smell of stagnant water in the streets but i went in mid August and this was not the case. I stayed there for 14 hours and felt this was enough. We walked around the narrow streets with picturesqe views of canals and gondalas. We found the gondalas a little over priced so decided not to go on one. There were many street sellers trying to sell crap to the tourists but we declined thier offers. We wondered around many shops selling vey intricate (very expensive) Venitian masks then stopped for a pizza and a beer and watched the world go by. We finished our day sat on the steps outside the train station looking at the stars and watching the lights reflect on the canals, would highly recommend this place.

 
Review posted 8th January 2008 by ktrd1.

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